"8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily," - Colossians 2:8-9 (ESV)
What are our goals when we read the Bible? Do we want a better connection with God? Are we looking for a something to just pass the time? Do we really want to follow the path of Christ and glorify God for all the blessings that we get every day?
There are always so many questions of our intent and goals when we start or continue on our journey! No matter where you are on your walk with Christ, living in the Bible can be so enriching to our connection with God an make our lives more meaningful.
Do not be deceived
We are always vulnerable to being deceived! See, too often, many people believe that the devil is ignorant and stupid enough to fight a spiritual battle. That is completely false! Satan has been studying the Bible for thousands of years. Jesus was even tested by the devil and with accurate scripture; however, the Son of God knew the devil was twisting the truth with a small perversion. (Matthew 4:3-11 ESV) Jesus immediately removed the Devil's twist of truth and request of power. Satan knew that Jesus was telling the truth and tried to manipulate the Lord!
Where else do we see manipulation?
False teachers! There is a list of "preachers" that claim to be anointed or have the answer to God's mystery. The problem with that idea is that we all have the answer to God's mystery. Jesus Christ! He is the mystery. Knowing that means there really never was anything being hidden. You have mega pastors that claim to control the weather, prophesy, and cast out illnesses. They use these tactics for those looking for signs and throw money at them so they can buy million-dollar jets and justify silk suits. Do not let that fool you! Jesus said, "An evil adulterous generation will seek for a sign." (Matthew 16:4 ESV) What a sad day that such people fall victim to demonic and fake prosperity gospel leaders. If they only knew that giving money did not secure them in Heaven.
How to avoid deceit
It is going to be hard. You may not think it will be, but the devil is as cunning as someone who is righteous. There are some simple and effective ways to avoid manipulation.
1. Read the Bible and study the meanings.
2. Stay away from prosperity teachers. (We do not deserve anything from God)
3. Secure your faith and learn more.
4. Back everything up with scripture. (This is the devil's playground; he loves false truth)
5. If you have to pay a pastor for salvation, leave.
6. Did I mention read the Bible and study it?
Do not give an ounce of desire to the ides of the flesh. If you feel that you are desiring something that does not feel right or may make you concerned for shame, the it is potentially damaging to your mind and the mission. I am not saying that we do not mess up or make mistakes; however, turning away from the practicing of the same sins over and over is the goal. Remember, God does not hate the human, God despises the sin.
Conviction
This is a great indicator for your mind. Many people do not have the ability to feel conviction because they either love the sin or are oblivious to the sin being a sin. The devil does not want those that participate in the sinful practices. The devil wants those that actively try and remove themselves from the sin. He wants to turn them away from the faith or mislead them as if he is playing some game of strategy. No matter how hard he tries, in the end, God will always prevail. It is confrimed in the Bible for the fall of Satan will occur for eternity.
Prayer
Keep your faith in check with prayer. We have to use prayer as a powerful tool to be with God. Let your prayer serve as your personal connection with God. Instead of going to prayer and asking that you receive something you want, make a point to just talk to God for conversation sake. Let your prayer become an important ritual daily. If you must ask for something within your prayers, request for the needs of others. Glorify God and pray that others are touched by His holy hands and receiev peace from Him. God is our not our fulfillment center for things we just want to get. He is our fulfillment center for our eternal soul.
God, thank You for Your most amazing grace and unconditional love. Christ, You are the foundation in which my faith is built and only You can redeem our sinful hearts. We thank You and glorify Your Holy name. Amen
C.D Lake
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